Linda Chapa LaVia

Linda Chapa LaVia
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 83rd district
Assumed office
January 2003 (2003-January)
Preceded by Brent Hassert (redistricted)
Personal details
Born (1966-08-16) August 16, 1966
Aurora, Illinois, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Vernon
Children Two Children
Alma mater University of Illinois at Chicago
Profession Full Time Legislator

Linda Chapa LaVia (born August 16, 1966) is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 83rd District since 2003. The district covers part of Kane County, including the city of Aurora. She was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2002 defeating Bob O'Connor, an Aurora Alderman-At-Large, becoming the first Hispanic to win a seat in the state legislature outside of Cook County.

In 2014, Chapa LaVia made racial comments by calling state Representative John Anthony a "half." Anthony is black with Puerto Rican heritage. Chap LaVia later apologized for her remarks on the House floor. In her apology she said, "I want to deeply apologize to my side of the aisle over here, my colleagues, my brothers and sisters for my personality meltdown yesterday."[1]

On Tuesday, June 24, 2015 she announced her candidacy for Mayor of Aurora, Illinois[2] However, she did not advance past the Aurora primary.[3]

The daughter of Texas cotton pickers, Linda attended Northern Illinois University and enrolled in the R.O.T.C. program, later graduating and becoming an officer in the United States Army.[4]

Chapa LaVia served as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.[5]

Chapa LaVia, her husband and two children live in Aurora.

References

  1. ↑ Riopell, Mike (2014-04-10). "Chapa LaVia apologizes over racial comments". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2016-09-01.
  2. ↑ Lord, Steve (2015-06-24). "Chapa LaVia launches run for Aurora mayor". Aurora Beacon News/Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2015-06-24.
  3. ↑ Lord, Steve. "Irvin, Guzman lead in Aurora mayoral primary". Aurora Beacon-News. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Newman, Craig (2012-09-02). "Who are the Illinois delegates to the Democratic National Convention?". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2013-05-02. Retrieved 2012-09-06.


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